Visitors to the Arctic Studies Center at the Anchorage Museum are greeted with a sublime display of rare artifacts from the native Alaskan community. Mostly dating from the 19th century, the historic objects have long been stored in Washington D.C., and emerged here for display for the first time in nearly a century. Objects vary from dog blankets to snow goggles to birdskin parkas and cover a broad range of the cultural spectrum. Second Story worked with Smithsonian Staff and Ralph Appelbaum Associates to seamlessly integrate interactive kiosks with the physical exhibit.

The seventeen kiosks encompass 600 artifacts, which document nine native cultures and a number of interconnected themes. Corollaries to the physical display cases, the kiosks offer an enhanced museum experience. A visitor to the “Masks and Spirits” thematic case could view an Athabascan mask, then further investigate the object with supplemental archival images, elders’ discussions, and a 360 degree or enlarged-view. The enlarged-view on a high definition monitor is so powerful that one can investigate unprecedented features—like hair and wood grain—on the fragile, historic artifacts. In 2007, Second Story produced an online exhibition for the Arctic Studies Center with a similar foundation of content; the interactive case explorers elevate this foundation to a new level of storytelling.

Press & Awards

HOW, Interactive Design Awards, MERIT, Kiosk 2011

“Smithsonian’s Arctic Center Open to Public in Anchorage,”Homer News, Michael McBride, June 2, 2010

The centerpiece for me is the Smithsonian’s respectful and interactive display of the spectacular and iconic cultural items...The honoring of and ongoing interaction with the First People in this dazzling presentation is a great honor to the creators as they in turn honor Alaska Natives.